I have always loved smoking.. (inner addict).but I hated the consequences (rational you).  The thing that always pushes me to quit is when I start laughing, I start this awful cough (rational you).  It is so disgusting and embarrassing.    (rational you).  I don't want to look and smell like a smoker.   (rational you).   Smoking seems so low class..  (rational you).  .but none of my friends are low class and they all look great and feel great, even though they smoke  (inner addict)..  Although, they are mainly social smokers....and I cannot be one of them (rational you).  . 

 

      God knows I have tried . AND FAILED...OVER 10 TIMES.    This last sentence is special.   It could be your rational side asking for assurance.   And yes, if you stay quit and confront your inner addict, IT WILL GET BETTER!   Absolutely.  No Doubt.  Inevitable. 

       But if it is your inner addict pleading for an excuse to relapse, then I won't say "Now, now, you've suffered enough...."   Because the suffering comes from your inner addict holding on to false beliefs about your addicition, and it is the inner addict who has to be convinced.

 

      Challenge that pleading, tantrum throwing voice.   You can have a "normal" life without nicotine.  I'd have relapsed long ago if it hadn't gotten better.   So hang in there a while longer.  Look at your own throughts (the rational you), and tell the inner addict when she is wrong.  Show her the successes... and that is what will grow!

 

     You can do this!

 

YQB BillW  Three years, ten months,  41999 cigarettes not smoked, saving $8,294.91. Life saved: 20 weeks, 5 days, 19 hours, 55 minutes.